Lemon Orange (GHSC) - Summer 2025

cultivars MAY 6, 2025 GERMINATION STRATEGY To germinate my seeds, I follow a three-step process: 1) Seed Scarification; 2) Convection Based Lab Paper Germination Method (CannaKan: https://cannakan.com/) and, 3) Germinated Seed Sowing. To scarify seeds, a process that softens the outer coating of the seed, I create a seed scarification solution by combining 50mL of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (typical household H2O2) with 100mL of distilled water, then pour in CannaKan, place seeds in CannaKan strainer, then place on heat mat targeting a temperature of 26C. I soak seeds in the solution for no greater than 16 to 20 hours. Following scarification, I remove all liquid from CannaKan and replace with 8mL of H2O2 and 16mL of distilled water. I then place the CannaKan back on heat mat and monitor for the emergence of a radical. To undertake Seed Sowing I fill Seedling Pots (1.94L ea.) with moistened living soil and plant seeds that have an emerged radical that is approximately 6mm to 12mm in length (¼”- ½”). I utilize a custom blended living soil by preparing a mix of peat with aeration and organics as per ratios described on the Media and Containers, and the Fertigation Strategy for Dry Organic Amendments images posted to the gallery of this diary entry. To complete the living soil preparation, I set the filled containers in the propagation garden (no lights, all other systems on), inoculate each with a Soil Drench that includes Activated Beneficial Microbes (ABM) and let sit for a minimum of 5 days prior to Seed Sowing, so as to allow the biology to develop within the growing media. To sow the germinated seeds, I create a small hole in the substrate, about 6mm to 12mm (¼”- ½”) deep in the soil surface, dust the hole thoroughly with up to 3mL of Mycorrhizal Innoculant (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Blend), then set the seed in the hole, radical pointed downward into the substrate. I cover the seeds loosely with growing media then mist the soil surface with plain distilled water adjusted to a pH of 6.5. Next I place the pots on a heat mat and under a dome, targeting a temperature range of 23C to 25C and humidity levels of 65% to 70%. Once sprouts appear, the dome is removed. TRANSPLANT AND GROWTH STRATEGY This crop will undergo two transplants, along with a combination of Low Stress Training (Leaf Tucking, Branch Training, Defoliation) and High Stress Training (Topping, Manifolding, Lolli-Popping and Super Cropping) to maximize the size and canopy of each specimen. Germinated seeds are planted in a 1.94L (~0.5 gallon) plastic pot and grow through seedling stage and into early vegetative stage, in an indoor environment under an LED Light Fixture. When ready (between days 29 and 35), specimens will be transplanted to an 11.3L fabric Transition Pot (~3 gallon) and once recovered (5 to 7 days), will be transitioned to the greenhouse setting over a 10-day hardening-off process. Plants will continue to grow through early to mid-vegetative stage and when ready (between days 64 and 70 or no later than approximately 4 weeks from the beginning of flowering), will undergo one more transplant to a fabric 37.7L Final Pot (~10 gallon) where the individuals will complete their life cycle through to harvest. FERTIGATION STRATEGY I employ a multi-faceted organic fertigation methodology that leverages only those amendments that comply with Canada’s Organic Production Systems General Principles & Management Standards and Permitted Substances Lists (CAN/CGSB-32.310-2021 CAN/CGSB-32.311-2020). I use dry organic amendments as well as compost and worm castings to amend soil, and supplement at regular intervals throughout the life-cycle with top dressings. Aerated compost teas and liquid amended soil drenches are applied bi-weekly (rotating: one week soil drench, next week compost tea), and I foliar feed through to the beginning of the flowering stage (bi-weekly).